Aborlan Case Study

WW F – – F W or l d d Wi

Published 2016 by WWF-Philippines For Fund de Quezon City, Philippines Any reproduction in full or in part of this publication must mention the title and credit N the above-mentioned publisher as the copyright owner. atu r e (Fo e r Copyright © text 2016 WWF mer l y y

Design by Janine Teng “WW F

Photos @ WWF-Philippines / Nicolas Cegalerba and Joanna Szwemberg / Bernaldo Montano / Mavic Matillano ” and and “li v i ng p ng Special Thanks to WWF staff Rene Jay de la Calzada and Ma. Victoria Matillano and to Aborlan OMA staff Armen Molleno l anet ” a r This publication is made possible by support from the Fondation Segré through WWF-International. e R eg i ste r ed ed T

For additional copies, please send a request to WWF-Philippines: [email protected] rademark

s A C a s e S t u d y o n t h e P h i l i p p i n e s

WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment WWF-Philippines and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by: 4th Floor, JBD Building - conserving the world’s biological diversity 65 Mindanao Avenue - ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable Bagong Pag-asa - promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption Quezon City 1105 Philippines Tel: +63 2 920 7923 Fax: +63 2 426 3927 Email: [email protected] www.wwf.org.ph A GROUNDSWELL OF DETERMINATION 3

THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 6

THE CRM PLANNING PROCESS 9

POLICY SUPPORT 22

PARTNERSHIP BUILDING 25

A BUSINESS ANGLE 29

LOOKING AHEAD 30

REFERENCES 37

A BORLAN COLLABORATION FOR CONSERVATION A C a s e S tudy on the P h i l i p p i n e s

This case study on Aborlan is the seventh in a series of analyses being undertaken by WWF-Philippines. This series aims to communicate key issues and lessons from field projects to fellow practitioners, program and policy staff, personnel of managed and/or protected areas, partners, and donors. The first in the series was on the Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi, which tackled issues of entry points for conservation, and how resource management ultimately depended on governance. The second case study discussed the establishment and operating systems of the multi-stakeholder environmental law enforcement program of El Nido, Palawan. The third case study described how Tubbataha, a pair of offshore reefs 130 kilometers from the nearest island, works as a protected area. The fourth case study related the establishment of conservation fees paid by scuba-divers in Mabini and Tingloy, Batangas. The fifth case study told the story of Donsol, Sorsogon and how the constant presence of whale sharks has transformed a small town into one of the world’s best wildlife interaction tourist sites. The sixth case study on Taytay, Palawan, is about the transformation of a municipal government into a champion and model of resource management. This publication on Aborlan Palawan, is a process documentation of how the municipality’s Integrated Conservation and Resource Management (ICRM) is a true model of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and the academe. The goal of these case studies is to help create a stronger understanding of the issues, and to promote further learning and sharing of successes and challenges. We welcome feedback on this case study, and on any others in this series. Please e-mail Chrisma Salao, Vice President for Conservation Programmes, WWF Philippines ([email protected]).

A GROUNDSWELL OF DETERMINATION I

borlan could very well be just another The people and leaders of Aborlan did not coastal municipality in mainland need anyone else to initiate this milestone Palawan, located 69 kilometers south development; the decision to protect their A of the rugged province’s capital city waters was theirs, reinforced by other of Puerto Princesa. Bounded on the east and stakeholders in a remarkable example of west by rich and mighty bodies of water, the effective collaboration to protect a shared Sulu Sea and the West Philippine Sea, and resource. comprising part of Palawan Island’s almost To be fair, the motivation may have been a 2,000 kilometers of coastline, Aborlan is home matter of survival. Aborlan’s waters are home to some 32,000 people (as of 2010) who make to a reef cryptically known as Seven Line, their living fishing and farming. allegedly even more expansive than the famed From the point of view of conservation, Tubbataha Reefs in the Sulu Sea, a natural however, Aborlan ceases to be typical. This is park and Southeast Asia’s only purely marine because its 79,910 hectares of municipal UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coral reefs waters are officially and legally a fisheries of Seven Line measure a total of 12,339 management zone, referred to by the municipal hectares, as compared to Tubbataha’s 6,235 administration as an Integrated Coastal hectares, although the latter encompasses a Resource Management (ICRM) area, and so total of 97,030 hectares when one counts its declared on February 22, 2016, through protected waters. Aborlan is predominantly an agriculture and fishing community. Municipal Ordinance No. 8, series of 2016. There are several posited origins for the

2 3 reef’s name, ranging from its supposed length of Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) member Albert seven miles, to the number of ridges or boulders Rama, who hails from Aborlan. along its length, or even its sequence in a long- Rama was a key figure not just in pushing ago topographical survey of the area. Seven Line for provincial funding for consultations, studies, is generally accessible only by motorized fishing and the eventual protection of Seven Line, but boats. Oriented from north to south, the reef also in paving the way for the community to begins on the southeastern coast of Puerto take Aborlan’s existing coastal resource Princesa, traverses the northeast portion of management system to a higher level. Aborlan’s municipal waters, and ends in the Thanks to key players—including funding national waters of the Sulu Sea. Roughly half of partners such as Fondation Segré; outside Seven Line reef (6,598 hectares) is in the municipal nongovernment organizations (NGOs), such as waters of Aborlan (Figure 1). WWF-Philippines and the Environmental Legal Nomenclature aside, Aborlan’s rich reefs are Assistance Center (ELAC); and the academe, a prized local fishing ground that has come through the Western Philippines University under threat from outsiders and their destructive (WPU)—and the application of a multisectoral illegal fishing practices. “People travel from afar approach that identified problems and solutions, to go to Seven Line,” notes Clemente Cacatian, Aborlan has shown communities everywhere Aborlan’s Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO). that it is possible for several groups to come “They come from Puerto, Narra, even the Visayas together for a common goal—and to do it right. to fish. That’s why the local fishermen want to protect it. Only 10 percent of the fish catch from Seven Line is actually caught by local Aborlan fishermen.” Thus, the ease and speed by which the municipal waters of Aborlan were declared an ICRM area was largely due to the groundswell of determination to protect Seven Line coral reef. This agenda brought together fishermen, the municipal agriculture office, local government units (LGUs), and key figures at the provincial level, including the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), as well as Sangguniang

The dramatic increase of tourist arrivals in Puerto Princesa, increase in population, and itinerant fishermen mean an ever-increasing pressure on natural resources. Figure 1. Map of Aborlan showing its municipal waters which have been declared an Integrated Coastal Resource Management (ICRM) area with core, buffer and sustainable use zones.

4 5 THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES II

Part of the intention in protecting Seven Line is for its “spillover effect” to supply nearshore coral reefs, so the fishermen of Aborlan need not go far when fishing.

Executive Director. “There is now an urgency the accompanying ills to Aborlan. “We have a to focus on marine resources because of growing population and greater demand on From land to sea heavy extraction, depleting yield, problems resources,” notes Jonathan Daniel Pizaña, with coral bleaching. It is now a crisis, and we Designated Municipal Tourism Officer and should act fast—for fisheries and food security.” Information Officer. The municipality’s current ike in many coastal barangays (villages) dynamite fishing and the use of compressors, “In the past, we were only focused on fisheries production ranges between 50 and 60 in the Philippines, the people of Aborlan says Quillenita—and for the longest time, the crops—food production, rice, corn,” seconds metric tons (MT) a month. While the population bore witness to how their once abundant culprits got away with it. “Illegal fishermen who Municipal Agricultural Officer Cacatian. “We of Aborlan is only 32,000, tourist arrivals in seas came under threat, and their were apprehended were just made to pay L relied on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Palawan grew ninefold, from 100,000 in 2000 source of livelihood eventually became fees, but this was not enough, because they Resources (BFAR) for fisheries until 1997, to 900,000 in 2014, leading to a corresponding depleted. “I was born here and grew up here would repeat the offense.” even though the local government was increase in demand. Pizaña continues, as a fisherman,” says Arturo Quillenita, member Meanwhile, the Palawan Council for devolved in 1991.” An opportunity for training “Aborlan’s role in tourism has been as provider of the 40-member Barangay Fisheries and Sustainable Development (PCSD), the multi- on the ecosystem approach to fisheries of agricultural and fishery needs of Puerto Aquatic Resources Management Council sectoral and inter-disciplinary government management (EAFM) for the Sulu-Celebes Princesa City, and this has meant higher (BFARMC), organized in 2012, and a fisherman office in charge of Palawan’s abundant natural Fisheries Management Project gave local prices for commodities here in Aborlan. Tourists of Tagpait, one of Aborlan’s 19 barangays. “As resources, as mandated by the province’s leaders a broader perspective, Cacatian says. bring cultural effects, too, such as prostitution.” fishermen, we take care of our corals, and landmark Strategic Environmental Plan (or SEP, “We learned that agriculture has a big effect Aborlan Vice Mayor Ariston Madeja puts it we’re vigilant about the presence of illegal under Republic Act 7611, signed into law in on fisheries—things such as too much fertilizer succinctly: “We have neglected our coastal fishermen.” The migrants who came from Cebu 1992 and consolidating provincial environmental use, slash-and-burn farming residue. Therefore, resources. If we continue to do so, time will and Bohol in the ’80s brought with them efforts), had long been focused on terrestrial we also needed a program for fisheries.” come when it will have a big effect.” destructive practices such as cyanide and riches, says Nelson Devanadera, PCSD’s Modern development has likewise brought

6 7 THE CRM PLANNING PROCESS III

From consultation to integration Armen J. Molleno, aquaculture technician of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Aborlan, is the only staff member of the municipality focusing on fisheries. hat gave the municipality a head were isolated from each other, and the plans start in addressing marine have not been fully implemented yet.” conservation was a history of over Ordinances had already been issued to a decade of initiatives, no matter protect specific areas, however, specifically Whow small or incomplete in scale. In other Gusong Reef and its nearby mangroves, which words, coastal resource management was were declared a sanctuary in 2012. Malunao nothing new to Aborlan. “Initiatives on a Island, home of the tabon bird and a renowned Coastal Resources Management Plan (CRMP) sports fishing site, was declared a sanctuary started around 2005-2008, with capacity even earlier, in 2000. “There were separate building of BFARMCs,” recounts Engr. Anna ordinances for different sanctuaries,” says Lee E. Mole, Acting Municipal Planning and Engr. Mole. “The process for CRMP was Development Coordinator (MPDC). “We difficult due to technical work. It was a organized fish wardens, though they were not coincidence that we had a municipal government deputized, and we conducted meetings and employee at the time with an environmental had inventories of fisheries, corals, and management background, Maureen Eunice seagrass.” Armen J. Molleno, an aquaculture Ibale; otherwise we would not have been able technician who has been with the MAO’s office to complete the CRMP. Then it was pending since 1997, confirms that a municipal CRM with the Municipal Council, until the ICRMP plan has been in place since 2005. “We came along.” Aborlan still has pristine, old growth mangroves. Aborlan boasts of 23 species of mangroves already had initiatives in the past, but these belonging to 11 families, about half of the total number of species found in the Philippines.

8 9 The ICRMP, the plan that brought everyone to extract resources for livelihood. When we together, was what the people called the move developed the plan, fisherfolk leaders had to to declare Seven Line reef a sanctuary. At the be part of it.” time, Anderson H. Zabalo, Barangay Captain Part of the success of formulating and of Tigman, was already pushing for a habitat implementing the Aborlan ICRMP could be due of local flying foxes in their area to be to the willingness of the people involved to declared a bat sanctuary. “By the time the share credit as well as responsibility. “It was ICRMP started, the bat sanctuary proposal the MAO who gave me information about was already on third reading by the barangay. Seven Line, and I picked it up as one of our We approached the Department of the projects,” says Albert Rama of the Sangguniang Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Panlalawigan (SP or the Provincial Council). and they explained that we needed zoning “I consulted PAO (Provincial Agriculture —core, buffer, and multiple use—and that this Officer) Romy Cabungcal and WWF staff RJ de needed to go through public hearings at the la Calzada. During our planning workshop, the barangay, and then the municipality.” The province allocated PHP1 million (about same process of public hearings and zoning US$21,700) for the groundwork for Seven Line. was applied to the ICRMP, which included the I provided the initial push, and things rolled provision that 10 percent of Seven Line will be into place.” declared as Core Zone. Palawan PAO Romeo “Romy” Cabungcal, In 2013, the Office of the Provincial meanwhile, points out that it started with Agriculture (OPA) and WWF-Philippines, Rama, “as representative of Aborlan in the through the Coral Triangle Support Partnership Provincial Council. He endorsed to the provincial project funded by the United States Agency for government the establishment of Seven Line International Development (USAID), conducted as an MPA, and the province immediately a marine protected area (MPA) workshop in released the PHP1 million. It was an inter-LGU Puerto Princesa City, where Seven Line was (local government unit) alliance, and Seven immediately identified as a priority by the Line was part of the project jointly held by the provincial government. With the OPA taking province and the municipal LGU. Policy support the initiative, an MPA management plan was was there at both levels. The role of the Office formulated, based on Participatory Rapid of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) was to Appraisal (PRA) gleaned from the feedback of implement at the provincial level. We held fishermen, as no scientific information was meetings, workshops, participatory coastal available at the time. “In the past, farmers and resource assessments (PCRA), all toward fisherfolk were freewheeling,” recalls Municipal making the management plan.” Agriculture Officer Cacatian. “They were free

The coral reef of Seven Line measures more than 12,000 hectares, almost twice the size of the famous Tubbataha Reefs. About half of Seven Line is in the municipal waters of Aborlan.

10 11 Scientiﬁc studies

dding to the confluence of events and “We lobbied with the Municipal Council,” efforts, more entities joined in to help. says Molleno. “The ordinance went through In 2014, already with an eye on the three readings and public hearings per barangay conservation of Seven Line, WWF- between October 2015 and March 2016. The PhilippinesA began work to support scientific public hearings were a good venue for studies, with funding from Fondation Segré—a suggestions from the barangay.” While the Switzerland-based foundation established by municipal council led the effort, the economist and banker Dr. Claudio Segré to Environmental Legal Assistance Center support environmental projects—through WWF (ELAC), an environmental NGO focused on International. The Marine Key Biodiversity people’s constitutional environmental rights, Areas (MKBA) project was implemented by the provided legal and technical assistance. National Fisheries Research and Development “The Sangguniang Bayan members’ views Institute (NFRDI) of the Department of on the environment were not that broad,” Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Tigman’s Barangay Captain Zabalo notes, “but The Municipal Council of Aborlan was going to declare the Seven Line reef as a Marine Protected Area (MPA), but based on the results of the scientific surveys, they declared their entire municipal waters as an Resources (DA-BFAR) for southern Palawan. they were guided by WWF and ELAC to take Integrated Coastal Resource Management (ICRM) area, including mangroves and seagrass beds. The MKBA, funded by the Global Environment care of the environment.” Facility through the United Nations Development In 2014-2015, the Segré project funded Programme (UNDP-GEF), and implemented coral, reef fish, seagrass, and mangrove nationally by the DENR, provided support to surveys, as well as community workshops and the neighboring municipalities of Aborlan. consultations on Seven Line and the municipal “The initiatives of WWF and NFRDI waters. Western Philippines University (WPU), coincided,” notes Municipal Agriculture Officer an aquaculture and agricultural institution for Clemente Cacatian, “so our fisheries program higher education located in Aborlan, and Reef became stronger, when it used to be Check divers helped in the data gathering. fragmented. When there was integration, our “We had been hearing about Seven Line for a office participated through our aquaculture long time, how big it was, but we didn’t have technician, Armen Molleno. This was a big any data,” says Lota Creencia, Ph.D., Professor help because we were able to request for at the College of Fisheries and Aquatic assistance from agencies. Even our fisherfolk Sciences at WPU. wanted to have projects.”

12 13 Corals al., 2006), and Snake Island, with 171 species The average hard coral cover in Seven Line (Pagliawan and Rodriguez, 2008), as well as Reef was in good condition. Of the seven Taytay Bay with 156 (Balisco, 2014), and surveyed stations, only Stations 3 and 6 had Araceli, with 114 species (Gonzales et al., "fair" hard coral cover. In healthy coral reefs, 2010). hard coral cover can be more than 75 percent. The condition and productivity of coral However, even in Tubbataha Reefs Natural reefs are also measured by fish density and Park (TRNP), average hard coral cover was biomass. The average fish density in Aborlan’s only 39.08 percent (Ledesma et al., 2008). surveyed sampling stations was 1,816 Higher hard coral cover (62.98 percent) was individuals per 1,000 square meters (m2), observed in Cagayancillo (Dolorosa et al., categorized as “moderate” (Hilomen et al., 2015). Healthy coral reefs are known to harbor 2000), with a high of 2,560 individuals/1,000 `more diverse species than unhealthy reefs m2 in Station 4 and a low of 1,238 Coral reefs are not only threatened by destructive and over fishing, (Komyakova et al., 2013; Bell and Gazlin, individuals/1,000 m2 in Station 5. Since Seven but increased sea surface temperature cause them to turn white, known as coral bleaching. Healthy reefs have shown the ability 1984). Thus, protecting parts of the reefs in Line is about 15 kilometers from the shoreline, to recover from bleaching events, but reefs in poor condition find it difficult and could eventually get smothered by algae. Seven Line to allow them to recover is a key to it is less vulnerable to exploitation than areas sustainable fisheries. nearer to the mainland and coastal communities. For fish biomass, which measures the Reef fish amount of fish living in a given area at a given A total of 229 fish species were found in the time, the average for the sampling stations reefs of Seven Line; 215 of these were located was pegged at 90.56 MT per square kilometer inside placed transect lines, while 14 species (km2), considered very high (Hilomen et al., were found outside the lines. 2000). Of all the sampling stations, Station 7 Comparisons to Tubbataha Reefs again registered the highest estimate at 138.59 MT/ crop up, as the reefs of Seven Line were km2, with Station 3 having the lowest at 43.82 recorded to have more species than the reefs MT/ km2. in Cagayancillo, the nearest municipality to The establishment of an MPA to protect a Tubbataha, which yielded 195 (Dolorosa et al., reef has been proven to increase fish catch in 2015). Seven Line also “scored” higher than areas open to fishing, mainly due to the spillover other known sites in Palawan like Honda Bay’s of fish from protected or restricted sections Pandan Island, with 178 species (Gonzales et into more accessible fishing grounds (Alcala et

14 15 al., 2005). Thus, it is evident that the protection Mangroves of Seven Line Reef is critical if fisheries in As for mangroves, Aborlan boasts 23 species Aborlan are to remain productive and sustainable. belonging to 11 families—a figure that accounts for about half of the total of 35-40 Seagrass beds species seen in the Philippines (Primavera, Seagrass beds are among the most important 2004). marine ecosystems in coastal areas, providing “There are areas, such as in Marikit, Tagpait, nutrition and habitats, stabilizing the ocean and Isaub, where human use is obvious,” says substrate, and contributing to the biogeochemical WPU’s Dr. Creencia. “We even saw a mangrove cycle (Green and Short, 2003). As breeding area being converted to coconuts. Still, it can and feeding grounds and homes for a range of be seen in the study results that Aborlan has species, from parrotfish and turtles to dugong, remaining areas with pristine mangroves, like they also play a huge role in fisheries production. Malunao. It has some natural protection- Each habitat has a role in the life cycle of the fish, from larvae in mangroves In fact, seagrass service value has been gnats! Lots and lots of them! Malunao is until they reach Seven Line, where they grow to become the brood stock. estimated at US$19,005 per hectare per year uninhabited because there is no solid ground, (Costanza et al., 1997)—even higher than the except for a small stony area. It is really virgin, value of agricultural croplands. old stand, primary mangrove forest, although Seagrass beds in Aborlan were found to be there are signs of trimming of branches in the in fair condition, although diversity was low, periphery.” with only eight common species recorded. Maximo de Asis, Jr., Barangay Captain of Meanwhile, 57 species of seaweeds were Tagpait, recalls, “We were consulted about the found in coastal areas of Aborlan, 53 percent value of the mangroves. It is the source of our of which were Chlorophytes (30 species), 26 crabs. No one uses mangroves for charcoal percent Rhodophytes (15), and the remaining making, but people use them to build houses.” 21 percent Ochrophytes (12). A 2013 study made by PCSD did not include a record of seaweed species composition. The protection of Aborlan’s seagrass and seaweeds is essential to both the ecology and economy of the municipality. The seaweed has commercial uses, while healthy seagrass beds help maintain marine life and fish stock.

The extensive seagrass cover of Aborlan help filter silt coming from the uplands, preventing it from reaching and smothering coral reefs.

16 17 ECAN guidelines

nder Palawan’s SEP, the PCSD is Bgy. Tagpait’s de Asis breaks it down gunning for the widespread application further: “We have a budget of PHP100,000 of the Environmentally Critical (US$2,200) per sanctuary per year. That is for Areas Network (ECAN) guidelines for seven coastal barangays in the east, and two managementU and zoning of coastal and marine in the west.” Thus, while they recognize that areas. Instead of simply going by strict the Bantay Dagat is just one component of numerical guidelines, such as percentages of managing Seven Line, Aborlan’s officials are coral cover and protected areas, ECAN convinced it is the critical first line of defense. guidelines—a graded system of environmental With the data on hand, it was time for protection and development monitoring, mapping and zoning of the proposed ICRM established as the main strategy for Palawan’s site of Seven Line, the delineation of the areas SEP—identify core zones in the MPA based on across the expanse of the reefs. From the biodiversity, habitats, and natural barriers, and beginning, it was a cooperative process, with pinpoint no-take zones as well as multiple use government actively seeking feedback, consulting areas which remain open to subsistence fishermen, and addressing any concerns on fishermen. Emphasis remains on sustainable possible limitations to access. management and use of resources. “The fishermen’s concern was that they “The value of the sanctuary is that it will would no longer be allowed to go fishing,” address the fact that the number of people in says Barangay Captain Zabalo of Tigman, “but the communities is increasing, while fish are zoning allocated areas for fishing.” “During the decreasing,” says De Asis. “Even the consumption public hearing, not everyone understood right habits of the townspeople have been away,” recalls Vice Mayor Madeja. “But when affected.” we explained that only 10 percent would be Possibly because of the perception of a declared a core zone, the fishermen agreed to common threat—that is, outside fishermen the ICRM.” “That’s because in the past, a —the people of Aborlan also seem to have sanctuary meant ‘no touch,’” says Municipal realized early on the importance of enforcement, Agriculture Officer Cacatian. “When Seven with local leaders earmarking financial support Line became an MPA and we explained about for the efforts of a functional and appreciated core, buffer, and multiple use zones, it was Bantay Dagat force. “The budget is assured,” okay with them.” notes Engr. Ted Baltazar, Municipal Administrator The people take pride in their participation. of Aborlan, “because we have allocated half a “We would be asked how we would take care million pesos (US$10,900) for CRM.” “Funding of our marine resources,” says Tagpait’s is not a problem,” seconds Engr. Mole. “They Barangay Captain de Asis. “We played a big allocated P750,000 (US$16,300) last year, and role in ICRM.” PHP1 million (US$21,700) this year, for The people of Aborlan are hopeful that protection and management of their coastal resources enforcement.” would translate to more fish and better lives.

18 19 Aborlan’s ICRM is a product of partnership among the municipal, provincial and barangay government, with assistance from non-government organizations and the academe.

Two rounds of consultations were conducted, accompanied by one or two fishermen per recounts Cacatian. “The first involved the barangay, a number limited only by the size of the clustering of barangays for each public hearing, boat, and not the willingness of the participants, with barangay captains and community leaders. who were familiar with the area. “They went During drafting of the ICRM ordinance, however, with the survey team to get GPS points of the Atty. (Grizelda) Mayo-Anda said that was not boundaries of each zoned area.” good enough, and she really wanted to hear With the studies on mangroves, forests, from the fisherfolk. She insisted we go to each and other elements as well as marine barangay, so we went to all nine coastal resources, people began to see the bigger barangays. This turned out well and helped picture. “It is a big deal for the LGU to see that the ordinance.” the habitats are all interconnected,” notes Atty. Mayo-Anda, Executive Director of WPU’s Dr. Creencia. “For example, we ELAC, confirms the thorough approach. “We explained to them the role of each habitat in really spent time discussing the mangroves. the life cycle of the fish, from larvae in mangroves The fishermen really saw the value of the until they reach Seven Line, where they grow MPA.” to become the brood stock. We provided “We followed the comprehensive land use enlightenment. We provided scientific basis plan (CLUP) and zoning ordinance of the and information.” municipality,” confirms MAO’s Molleno. Once again, to their eternal credit, the “The zoning of core, buffer, and multiple willingness and openness of the community use zones was patterned after the ECAN. They meant that even the scientists did not have to were discussed one by one, and therefore start from scratch. “In my view, the Aborlan based on the results of public consultation.” community already had a lot of experience and

Demand for fish in Puerto Princesa have increased the price of the goods in Aborlan. During the actual delineation of the zones, exposure,” says Dr. Creencia. “They already Molleno reports, the survey team was knew it—their appreciation was only deepened.”

20 21 POLICY SUPPORT IV

Aborlan’s ICRM went through two rounds of consultations with leaders and all nine of its coastal brangays.

Making it legal

CAN provided ample guidance and “Cagayancillo and Aborlan have completed their policy support for the zoning efforts, and ECAN zoning. Aborlan will now be a model for PCSD continued to “ECANize” the other municipalities to follow.” E province—that is, updating the guidelines In February 2016, the ordinance on Aborlan, on zoning criteria based on network principles. “An Ordinance Integrating and Harmonizing All Because the approach is more complex and Pertinent Ordinances Relating to Fisheries and broad in coverage, the council has been Protection of Aborlan’s Municipal Waters and its proceeding with care. “We already had a ﬁrst Coastal Resources and Other Purposes,” was attempt at ECAN zoning of coastal and marine approved on third reading by the Municipal areas, and there are questions on Council. It was signed by the mayor, and is now jurisdiction, so we will focus on municipal being reviewed for endorsement by the provincial waters,” says PCSD’s Nelson Devanadera. government.

Aborlan’s ICRM is a model for other municipalities in zoning their municipal waters for Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN).

22 23 PARTNERSHIP BUILDING V

Community members and barangay officials determined the zoning of core, buffer and sustainable use zones through the barangay consultations.

The same goal

he ICRM process for Aborlan is a NFRDI. “This is especially helpful if government complex web of collaborations, involving funding is limited for developing a CRM plan. several stakeholders—the LGU, the There is pooling of resources, personnel, and T community, the academe, and private activities. We only have one objective. For sector donors coursing their support through example, WWF already did the delineation. Our active NGOs. All were drawn together to work for people no longer have to be burdened with that. the same goal, in the same place, and at the I do not think of Aborlan much because WWF is right time. there. We can concentrate on doing the ﬁsh “The support of WWF for ICRM has the same stock assessment as counterpart of NFRDI to objectives as our project—namely, capacity MKBA. Projects don’t have funds for primary building of the LGU for EAFM,” says Noel Barut, data collection, so that’s what we do.” Ph.D., who handles foreign-funded projects for Such work also complements that of BFAR, The barangay consultations and awareness raising activities for ICRM did not only involve government officials and fishers, but also schoolchildren, women, and the general public.

24 25 as the bureau lacks the necessary data, and in the field becomes part of our mentoring of our collection of information will remain an ongoing students. This is big, because they are the future process. “Everything is being attributed to workers in the field.” climate change, but we should really look into Extension is part of the mandate of academic overfishing also, because demand is so high,” institutions, Dr. Creencia says, and that includes Barut notes. “Still, the complementation in the extending assistance to the community where work of the different agencies is very visible.” they are located. “Our three mandates are “For us in the provincial government, that instruction, research, and extension. The partnership kind of working relationship is good,” says means a lot; because of the logistical support, Provincial Agriculture Officer Cabungcal. we are able to mobilize. Even if this is commissioned “Partnership is an advantage, and the municipal work, we learn a lot. It becomes an enabling LGU needs support from other partners.” mechanism for us to meet all three mandates, for “The LGU partnership between BFARMC, the us to become effective.” mayor, and the MAO was good,” says Engr. Partnerships also thrive on mutual trust, and Mole. “The LGU provided engines, for example, the amount of trust involved in this collaboration while the BFARMCs provided boats, nets. The made it all the more remarkable—and consequently, partnership of WPU, NGOs, BFAR, and OPA was successful. key. My advice to others who want to do this is, “What I noticed was that the Municipal seek the assistance of the academe. WPU has a Council of Aborlan really trusted the team,” says College of Fisheries, and the site is also accessible ELAC’s Atty. Mayo-Anda. “They had trust and to them because it is in Aborlan. They conduct confidence in WWF and partners like ELAC. technical surveys, they were easy to talk to, and Usually, there is a certain cautiousness when they get plus points for accreditation for their there are issues involved, but in this case, they extension work. When it comes to research, work were very open. They really want to protect their with the academe.” resources.” A contributing factor, Atty. Mayo-Anda “On the side of academic institutions, this is adds, is that the parties have been working an opportunity to see actual work in the field,” together for more than two decades. “It’s a affirms WPU’s Dr. Creencia. “We gain new government and NGO relationship. Despite the information, we see gaps. Actual data from the issues, they saw the value of the relationship, field is a big help, we become more credible in until it found fruition in the CRM framework. teaching. At the same time, the actual situation Hopefully, this trust will last through the years.”

Ronnie Canino currently builds boats for fishing. Good management and increased fish catch could mean higher demand for his business, but this could be a double edged sword because of increased fishing pressure. Tourism, if developed successfully, could create a new market for him to make tourist boats. 26 27 A BUSINESS ANGLE VI

Tapping tourism

ith the Seven Line MPA in Talakaigan River, the irrigation dam, as a place, Aborlan is now looking for picnic area. We can make a view deck overlooking other ways to fund it. Tourism is the mountain, river, lowland, and sea. We can the first and most logical enterprise also make a zip line. We have swimming areas Wthat comes to mind, as marine parks are a and waterfalls. But we do not have tourism potential income generator. “The pull of the facilities yet. For the long term, though, I want south on tourists is weak, so tourists go north,” Seven Line declared part of the National says the Municipal Tourism Office’s Jonathan Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS).” Pizaña. “There aren’t many tourism sites in the Jaime M. Ortega, Mayor of Aborlan, has south. There are many resorts, but not unique even bigger ambitions: “We are planning to scenery, except for waterfalls, such as make Seven Line a tourism area like Estrella. The waterfalls in Aborlan, such as Tubbataha.” The Tubbataha Reefs in the Sulu Pintingan Falls, which has a 20-meter drop, Sea, after all, are the country’s premiere are currently inaccessible. As of now, we have scuba-diving destination, generating significant no tourism packages to offer tourists.” annual revenue, but accessible only by live- Provincial Board Member Rama agrees that aboard boats during the Philippine summer there remains much to be done, but the province months due to rough weather the rest of the is not lacking in plans. “The province is looking year. If Seven Line is more accessible year- for places to develop. What we want is for round, and the necessary infrastructure can be Seven Line to become part of the Aborlan built, Ortega’s plan is entirely feasible. “Chain of Adventure” in tourism. This includes The local government plans to tap the 1 million tourist arrivals in Puerto Princesa by developing the Aborlan “Chain of Adventure” that would include diving, swimming in rivers and waterfalls, and mountain hiking.

28 29 LOOKING AHEAD VII

Food security is the goal of coastal resource management and marine protected areas.

The future of the MPA

o what do the people of Aborlan see government’s fiscal reform program that there was a pursuit at sea. I reached them in Rama, meanwhile, is optimistic that his in the future of their prized park? allowed LGUs and civil societies to participate the pier, but they were ready, and they beat fellow Aborlan residents will no longer have to “Seven Line will be guarded, since in the budgeting process of national line me up. Many cases were filed but dismissed. go very far to find subsistence, tourists will find S there are still many poachers from agencies), we proposed to build a mangrove What was even more painful was that I personally nearby diversions—and the two functions can other municipalities and provinces such as the walk, a shed in the mangroves for tourists as had to pay for all my expenses!” happily co-exist. “The value of Seven Line in Visayas and Mindoro,” says Bgy. Tigman’s well as guards. We still lack materials to build “The provincial government’s approval of fisheries is that it supplies the fish to smaller Zabalo. “Tourism will be developed, and these, though.” the ordinance will become a turning point,” coral reefs. This means the fishermen do not Tigman will benefit. We already had training on For Aborlan’s lone aquaculture technician, says Municipal Agriculture Officer Cacatian, need to go far for fishing.” It’s an opinion handicrafts, using barangay funding. NGOs Armen Molleno, law enforcement remains “the “especially in terms of funding. When other shared by Cacatian, in what he refers to as the with tourism projects are already assisting us, heart of the ordinance. There is a provision to NGOs also see that we have an ordinance on “spillover effect” of Seven Line. “For tourism,” such as Palawan Tribes. Other possible tourism create a CRM office, and the difference that MPAs, it will present us with more opportunities.” continued Rama,” as a dive site, it’s only 15 activities are diving and surfing from January will make is that funds will really be used for Cacatian also notes that the hardworking kilometers away. I do not foresee conflict to April.” CRM.” Molleno is speaking from a literally Molleno could use some help. “The ordinance between fishing and tourism because of zoning.” “My dream is for us to have a tourism spot,” painful experience he had in the line of duty, in has a provision to create a separate fisheries echoes Bgy. Tagpait’s De Asis. “Under the 1999. “There were two fishermen with a office. It will be a separate division. Right now, Bottom-Up Budgeting (or BUB, the Philippine compressor. I tried to apprehend them, and we only have Armen.”

30 31 Challenges

eeping Seven Line the treasure that it implement the ordinance. We do not have the is for future generations of Aborlanons capacity to do so. How will we do that when will mean facing a few challenges. many of the illegal fishermen are migrants, or There remains the underdeveloped have protection and connection to higher-ups? Ktourism sector, for example. “For tourism, our Still, we really need to protect our area. Palawan Municipal Tourism Council lacks personnel,” is the biggest supplier of fish. If left unprotected, says Municipal Administrator Engr. Ted Baltazar. the effect will be felt in Manila and the whole “We need people who would focus on tourism,” country. At this point, we can still do something.” says Bgy. Tagpait’s de Asis. “It is still weak. Aborlan Mayor Jaime M. Ortega has his We have Talakaigan River, for example, and own plans for implementing ICRM in monitoring the beach in Tigman.” the local industry. “Fisheries is among my “What can we offer for tourism?” says priority programs. We will have a closed Provincial Agriculture Officer Cabungcal. “The season to fishing. We didn’t give permits to advantage of Aborlan is that it is near Puerto live reef fish (LRF) trading and fishing. I want Princesa City. Look at the Underground River. the buying station here, so we can control the If you think about it, that is even farther than trade and ensure cyanide was not used. Our Aborlan, but people go because there is corals are already recovering.” something to see.” Progress would not be possible, however, There is the continued guarding of the without proper education to pave the way for municipal waters, and the necessary funding policy and enforcement. “The next phase for to sustain it. “Future plans include Aborlan is to develop the implementing rules enforcement—not just infrastructure, but also and regulations (IRR) of the ICRM framework, protection,” says Engr. Baltazar. For protection, but the challenge remains enforcement and the solution is simple, Engr. Mole says: “We education,” says ELAC’s Atty. Mayo-Anda. need to deputize our fish wardens.” “They “Law cannot swim alone. You have to partner need to guard their resources and place buoys that with awareness and capacity building. In to demarcate these areas,” de Asis adds. “The law, or any legal framework, enforcement and ICRM area already has zones, so fishermen implementation are always the problem. The know where to fish.” need for information is very evident. My concern Vice Mayor Madeja echoes the importance for Aborlan now is how to engage the local of adequate enforcement, before the situation government in embracing the ridge-to-reef worsens. “The challenge is funding to fully approach. We need capacity building, awareness,

The ICRM municipal ordinance is only the beginning. Aborlan now faces the challenge of implementing the policy.

32 33 and enforcement.” With the approval of the ordinance by the Replicability Finally, all of the work would be for naught Municipal Council and the municipal mayor if the people of Aborlan are not determined to last February, the full impact of the establishment he success of Aborlan’s declaration of is immediately spread out. “Use the participatory see the project through. “The ordinance is now of the ICRM on individual lives has yet to be its ICRMP is clearly due to several process, and establish partnerships,” says in place, and will become the bible of the seen. Still, the success of the collective factors. As key players have noted, MAO’s Armen Molleno. LGU,” Municipal Agriculture Officer Cacatian effort—and the obvious investment of the Aborlan can indeed be a model for the For others, there is the need to spread the notes. “I think the LGU can implement it, but stakeholders in marine conservation, heightened T whole of Palawan province. The question is, word as much as possible, so intentions and needs political will for proper implementation.” even more through consultation and can all these factors come together with similar procedures are made clear, everyone is MAO’s Molleno agrees. “The provisions of involvement—augurs well for future endeavors, ease and speed to replicate the experience in informed and empowered, and the sentiments the ordinance are enough, we just need to and for greater food security for the people of other places in Palawan as well as the rest of of the most affected stakeholders are brought execute the details. We need to implement the Aborlan. the country? to the fore. “IEC is really needed,” says Provincial plan, and this needs political will.” The resources made available to the project Agriculture Officer Romeo Cabungcal. “Other at the same time may be hard to match. There people think preliminary activities such as IEC was the push from Provincial Board Member and consultations are not much. They ask why Albert Rama, who facilitated the release of this needs funding. But that is where you will money for consultations and initial studies and see how people really look at the implementation assessments. There was the contribution of of the project.” WWF and Fondation Segré to provide the “What really helped,” concludes Tagpait scientific basis for the protection of the reefs Barangay Captain Maximo de Asis, Jr., “were and waters. There was the MKBA project of the the seminars and trainings on fisheries and the NFRDI, backed by the UNDP-GEF and value of coral reefs.” In the course of implementing implemented by the DENR, and its long-term the Segré project, WWF-Philippines conducted goal of applying EAFM to Palawan’s fisheries. several rounds of consultations and environmental And there was the substantial financial support education sessions, not just with of the municipal government for enforcement, government officials and fishers, but also which may now have to be beefed up to cover among schoolchildren, women, and the general the expanded jurisdiction of the ICRMP. public during barangay assemblies. The fact that the funds came from several Planning must be carried out thoroughly institutions, both government and private, and and systematically. “WPU covers the whole of the way these funds enabled more institutions Palawan,” notes WPU’s Dr. Lota Creencia,“so to get involved, contributed to the general time is the main limitation, and availability of sentiment that the ICRMP of Aborlan is truly budget. Advance coordination is really the key.” the result of collaboration, where all the major Then again, it could be as simple as what stakeholders participated in and contributed to BFARMC member and fisherman Arturo Quillenita the process. suggests. “My advice to others is to plant Some of these stakeholders insist the work mangroves, and take care of coral reefs.” Information, education and communication (IEC) was an integral part of Aborlan’s ICRM planning process. begins with mobilizing partners, so responsibility

34 35 References

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